The McNally family of Montana adopted Duke from a kennel when he was just 8 months old. The parents and their 5-year-old son Robert are nature lovers and travel long distances in the mountains whenever the opportunity arises. Duke loves walks and enjoys every time he takes his family through the woods or to the river.
One day, the parents, Robert and Doc, set out for the mountains hoping to reach a cabin before dark. Towards evening they stopped near the forest road to rest a little. The pair were sitting in the shade of a tree and Robert was playing nearby when they suddenly saw Duke jump on Robert at full speed, throwing him to the ground. The child’s father was startled and immediately ran to see what was going on. Robert lay on the floor crying and Duke barked loudly.
Looking closer, the man noticed Duke fighting a rattlesnake. Robert appears to have taken the snake in his hand and Duke, realizing the danger, jumped on top of the boy to protect him, tricking him out of the snake.
Dad started crying when he realized Duke had saved the baby’s life.
After that incident, Duke was bitten by a rattlesnake, so the McNally family took him to the hospital. Apparently, the snake was unable to enter Duke’s body, and the doctors rescued the dog.
“If it weren’t for Duke, Robert would certainly have been bitten by the snake and there is a very high risk of death. We are grateful for Duke’s life for his courageous gesture. He knows we love him very much, but the connection between us will be even closer from now on. “
The McNallys said they would not give up hiking in the mountains, but they would certainly be more careful and not let Robert stray too far from them.
Another pit bull proves that this breed is a wonderful one that loves its family and is able to give its life to protect family members.
We need to promote positive things more often in order to change people’s perception of this dog breed that is so misjudged.